Jan 09, Colombo: Sri Lanka's security forces fought the separatist terrorists and liberated the country not for their personal gain but for the yet unborn future generation, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.

"The war heroes liberated this country from the terrorists not for their personnel gain. It was not also for my personnel glory. It was for the child population that is yet to be borne in the future," the President said addressing a felicitation ceremony Wednesday morning at the Temple Trees.

Addressing the Ranaviru Abhiman ceremony, the national conference of the Ranaviru Sansada officers, as the chief guest today President Rajapaksa asserted that no one will be allowed to snatch away the freedom of the people and the democratic rights gained through the sacrifice of lives by the valiant soldiers.

The President stressed that the government is not prepared to reverse the massive development programme being implemented as a free and sovereign nation.

During the ceremony organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority, work done by the officials of the Ranaviru Sansada was recognized and they were presented with the certificates as an encouragement.

The President distributed three wheelers to disabled war veterans were distributed during the function organized by the Ranaviru Seva Authority. The disabled soldiers were also presented with artificial legs and hands.

Scholarships for the children of Ranaviru Families who have passed the grade 5 scholarship examination, university scholarships, housing loans, housing donations, clutches and necessary equipment were donated to over 1,000 war veterans and their families.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Northern Province Governor Major General (Rtd) G.A Chandrasiri, Eastern Province Governor Rear Admiral (Rtd) Mohan Wijewickrama, Ranaviru Seva Authority chairperson Padma Wettawa, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-forces Commanders, and Inspector General of Police were also present at the occasion.

(Photos by Nalin Hewapathirana)